If you have trouble getting to sleep at night you might want to try some warm milk. Sometimes we think these ideas are old wives tales but there is a valid reason warm milk induces sleep. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts to melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin induces sleep and serotonin calms the brain. So go ahead and have some warm milk before bedtime it really may help you get to sleep.
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Today I am continuing to write about eating to control stress. Our society seems to be stressed to the max and some of that may be due to the fact that we grab quick meals, often fast food and we may not be eating properly in our stressed out state. Have you ever noticed that everyone feels rather lazy after the Thanksgiving meal? We usually blame it on eating too much, which we usually have to admit we actually did. But that may not the be reason we feel so relaxed. Turkey has an abundance of tryptophan, discussed in the previous articles, so after consuming a good amount of turkey most people find their mood has improved, they have less anxiety, and a reduced craving for carbs. This is due to a surge in serotonin and not only does it make us less stressed, eating turkey helps to build muscles. So don't save turkey just for the holidays. Enjoy it on a year-round basis especially if you need to destress.
Yes, what you eat can have an effect on your level of stress. Medical research has shown that low serotonin, the chemical in our brains that regulates emotion, may be the main cause of anxiety and depression. Nutritionist DeAnna D. Irving has said that the serototin levels in the body can be depleted by stress and poor health if one isn't eating right. Serotonin is not found in food but is released into the bloodstream after the digestion of tryptophan, Vitamin B or Omega-3 fatty acids. Feeling a little stressed out? Try adding some of the foods that have large amounts of the previously mentioned nutrients to raise your serotonin levels without medication. One such food is Spinach. Spinach has high levels of vitamin B6 which helps to increase both energy and serotin levels. When you increase your energy and serotonin levels that can lead to better moods and overall better health. Don't like spinach? Avocado, brown rice, green peas, and collard greens are also rich in vitamin B6.
Here are some facts about bananas of which you may not be aware. Consider these facts:
Pumpkin seeds are packed with the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is used by the brain to make serotonin, known as the "happiness chemical." Have the munchies? Nibble on some pumpkin seeds, especially if you have the munches because you are nervous or have the blues. As little as one ounce can make a difference!
